Key Takeaways:
- New recommendations for submitting address changes
- Expanded online tools for case assistance
- Updated response time goals for service requests
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated its Policy Manual to streamline case assistance and feedback processes. The revisions aim to enhance the experience for stakeholders navigating the intricate immigration landscape.
Among the significant updates is a new recommendation that encourages individuals to submit changes of address through the USCIS online account self-service tool immediately following any move. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring that correspondence reaches the right hands without delay.
Furthermore, USCIS has expanded its online resources and tools to provide comprehensive assistance. Stakeholders can now easily access a plethora of information directly from the Contact Us webpage. This includes detailed, program-specific assistance, simplifying the communication process with the agency.
In an effort to align expectations with operational realities, USCIS has revised the response time goals for service requests from 15 calendar days to 15 business days. This change reflects current practices and aims to eliminate confusion regarding processing timelines. It’s important to note that while priority service requests will still be honored, the agency has removed specific timeframes for processing these requests.
The update also introduces a dedicated chapter addressing changes of address to ensure that all correspondence is delivered successfully. This chapter clarifies USCIS’s protocol regarding address discrepancies, highlighting that updates will only occur if a specific request for change is submitted.
